10 Best Things To Do In NYC. Couples Edition
New York is the city that never sleeps. There are always things to do. So if you and your partner are looking for romantic date ideas, here is a list of ten, and, I guarantee you, you will be able to find at least one that will intrigue you.
Go on a picnic in Central Park
What can be better than a nice picnic on a warm summer day? Wake up earlier, while it is still breezy out, pack a nice breakfast, take a blanket, and spend a couple of hours under a tree talking and looking at people walking by. Make it romantic! Pack berries, little jam bottles, a thermos with coffee, and nice utensils. For more atmosphere, add some details: prepare a basket, nice napkins, maybe a big hat that will cover you from the sun. Make it look like a scene from a movie!
Take a cooking class together
Have you ever wanted to try out a new recipe? Then this date idea is for you! Learn how to make pasta or how to bake at one of the hundreds cooking classes held in NYC. One of the places with cool cooking classes is Eataly, especially for Italian cuisine lovers, where people can learn how to make pasta, ravioli, and a bunch of original Italian desserts.
Go biking on Governors Island
If you are tired of biking around the city, go to Governors Island! Turn this day into an adventure: wake up earlier in the morning, take a ferry to the island, and enjoy great views and nature! Make sure to pack a picnic basket so you can spend more time out. One thing to consider is bringing your own bikes or leaving early in the morning because there is a chance all city bikes will be taken.
Visit a farmer’s market
What can be better than fresh produce? Go to your local farmer’s market and get some fresh fruits and vegetables. To add a little more romance, you can also buy flowers and enjoy them when you get back home.
Book a hotel
One of my personal favorites. Book a nice hotel (that you would otherwise never think of going to) for a night or a weekend and spend your time relaxing, going to a spa, having nice hotel breakfasts, and recreating the life of the richest NYC residents (my dream is to spend a weekend at Plaza hotel, and recreate the scenes from Home Alone).
Go to a dancing class
What can be better than spending your evening at a dance class? First, couples dancing can turn out very hot and romantic, and second, it’s a great way to try something new and see your partner from a different side. If the dance requires a uniform or any special gowns, get them as well! That will automatically add 10 points to the atmosphere of the class.
Go to a Jazz club
If you are tired of going to bars, try switching to a Jazz club. Have a nice cocktail sitting at a small cozy table listening to jazz music. If you feel particularly playful, invite your partner to a dance (will work perfectly if your previous date was a dancing class).
Go thrift shopping
NYC has a lot of great thrift stores. You can find cool vintage clothes and accessories, or, if you don’t want to buy anything, just have fun and create outfits for each other and try them on. The one with the best fashion style wins!
Visit TV locations
New York is a place where a lot of famous movies and TV shows were filmed. So why not have a tour through the TV locations? You can start with the Friends building and Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment.
Go to a Broadway Show
There are hundreds of shows on Broadway, so choose one and have a great evening with your loved one. Going to a show is a great chance to dress up, and have a late-night walk through Manhattan after the show ends.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Summer 2023 - Outdoor Movie Theaters in NYC
With the weather slowly getting warmer, New York City outdoor movie theaters have started opening. This summer activity is a great way to spend time on a date, with your friends, or family. What can be more romantic and fun than a picnic under the stars with a good old movie on a huge screen right before you?
If you agree, here are a couple of parks with outdoor movie theaters and a great selection.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is probably one of the most popular spots for outdoor movies. Every Monday the park welcomes all audiences for a free movie. Make sure to take the best spot on the lawn before the movie begins! The lawn typically opens at 5 pm, and the movie starts at 8 pm, so you have plenty of time to pick a spot, settle, and relax.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is perfect for outdoor screenings. You get a view of the water and Manhattan skyscrapers, just like a screenshot from a movie! And it’s not very crowded! The lawn opens at 6 pm, and the screening starts at sundown, which in summer is typically between 8 pm - 8:30 pm.
Skyline Drive-In
Another great place for outdoor screenings is Skyline Drive-In. The doors open two hours before the movie, so you have plenty of time to settle and chat. Note that for this one, you need to buy tickets in advance.
Movies Under the Stars
This project by NYC Parks and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment hosts hundreds of screenings throughout all five boroughs. You will definitely find the park with a great movie! Check out their website to learn more about the locations and screening times!
And now, some advice for those who are planning to spend their evening at the open movie theater:
Don’t forget to bring a blanket to sit on. There might not be chairs available, and the ground at night gets colder, so make sure you have something warm to sit on.
Make sure to take snacks! You can always buy something at the park, there are usually a bunch of vendors available, but the lines can get long, and you don’t want to miss the movie!
Take a coat. Evenings can get chilly, and taking a coat or an extra blanket is the best way to make sure you don’t spoil the screening for yourself by getting cold.
Take a spray from the bugs and mosquitoes. That might be necessary, especially in the evening.
With the air situation being unstable in NYC right now, check the park’s website to make sure the movie has not been canceled, and, just in case, take a mask.
By Mary Zakharova
Annual Tulip Display in Manhattan
In between the brownstones in Manhattan, there is a little garden, hidden from the crowd. The garden is filled with tulips of all breeds and colors, and walking through it makes you feel like you are walking through the tulip fields of the Netherlands.
The garden is perfect for a stroll with your friends and loved ones. The birds singing and the fresh scent of blooming flowers bring a unique calm, and even slightly romantic atmosphere. You can walk through narrow paths or sit on a bench among the flowers and enjoy the nice weather.
Even though small, the tulip garden is not packed: parents coming there on an afternoon walk with their newborns and few school kids snacking on the benches after their classes are the only visitors in the early afternoon hours. If you are looking for a quiet place, this is the one! You can be sure you will have a chance to relax, read a book and enjoy the flowers.
The beautiful flutes of the tulips are fascinating! Colors range from white to dark purple, close to black. You almost certainly haven’t seen such a wide variety before! Behind the main part of the garden, there is a closed section with various plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. If you ever thought about gardening, it’s a great way to start the journey and see how the process works and what might be needed for it. It is also something great to show kids and teach them about nature.
Because this year the weather got warm pretty early, tulips bloomed earlier than usual, so don’t miss your chance and visit the garden by the beginning of May. West Side Community Garden is located at 123 W 89th St and is open daily until 7 pm.
Article and photos by Mary Zakharova
Embrace The World From Within - Thought-Provoking art installations by Louise Bourgeois, Miles Greenberg, and Yoko Ono
Embrace The World From Within features the works of Louise Bourgeois, Miles Greenberg, and Yoko Ono. It “revolves around physical and metaphorical aspects of the embrace” (information text from the exhibition).
The exhibition is placed in three rooms, each of them dedicated to one of the artists. As you walk into the first part of the exhibition, you find yourself in a dark room with only a bench to sit on and a large rock in a glass cube. This is Miles Greenberg’s performance “The Embrace”. There, two people blinded by white contacts, sit on the rock very close to one another, in an intimate connection. As time passes, visitors can see how slowly these two people become one, how they get emotionally and physically closer, almost merging into one another.
Unfortunately, the performance is only live on Saturdays, so if that is what interests you more than the other two parts of the exhibition, make sure to come on that day.
If the live performance is not necessary for you, you can see it projected on the wall in the room throughout the day every day.
The second room leads to Yoko Ono’s gallery. It consists of two installations, “We’re All Water” and “Ex It”. The first work presents 118 bottles filled with water, each having a name of a famous or infamous person on it. “We’re All Water” makes you think about our similarities. No matter the status, job, nationality, race, gender, or anything else we see as our differences, we are all the same, we are all people.
Yoko Ono’s second installation was the most memorable and important for me personally. The room is filled with coffins, big and small, with different plants growing out of them. The installation represents the connection between life and death. These two concepts intertwine becoming one. The installation makes the idea of death less frightening by showing us that where there is death, there is also life, and there wouldn’t be one without the other.
The third and last room presents works of Louise Bourgeois, spanning through the 1960s to 2000s. The artist used different materials and different shapes to show the inner conflict through her sculptures.
Embrace The World From Within is located in Faurschou, Greenpoint, and can be viewed through September 17th, 2023. The entrance is free.
Article and photos by Mary Zakharova
Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building is the new top destination in New York City
In the most iconic location of the Big Apple you will enjoy an immersive and involving experience
NEW YORK, NY — November 23, 2022
Starbucks recently opened its new Reserve store at the Empire State Building, and what a treat for all New Yorkers and everyone who visits the ‘City that never sleeps.’
An impressive three-floor hub where you can enjoy an immersive experience surrounded by soft lights and a revisited Art Deco style embellished by the murals of New York-based artist Dana Tanamachi.
The Concourse level is dedicated to innovation and immersive coffee experiences with coffee workshops and guided tasting flights that are unique to this store, in addition to the newest feature by the Seattle-based company, the cold-pressed espresso.
The first floor at street level is a spacious coffee house with a wide selection of offers, art installations, and unique branded products.
The second floor, the bar & restaurant level, is the real tidbit of Starbucks' latest endeavor, which presents a wide menu of uniquely crafted cocktails.
I tried the Big Apple Blossom, poured for four as an “experience” from a special glass-serving carafe with Dorothy Parker gin, pear brandy, and other liquors, and I tried the lasagna alla bolognese, and the mixed bites board, a selection of squared slices of rustic pizzas.
I have to say, everything was really delicious! And I'm really curious to explore the whole menu.
I really like this new trend initiated by Starbucks, focused on fewer retail locations but more Reserve stores, where the customer can fully enjoy a relaxing, immersive ambiance and, if you are a coffee-lover like I am, you can discover new flavors and interesting mixes.
Definitely, a must-see for anybody who wants to give themselves, their friends, and their family a unique New York experience.
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
@livein_magazine - livein-magazine.com
Dance Parade New York
On Saturday, May 21, New York City will celebrate the diversity of dance at the Dance Parade. More than 100 different dancing styles performed by more than 1000 professionals will be presented: Hip Hop, Break Dance, Cheerleading, Salsa, and Contemporary Ballet - all of these will be showcased during the parade!
The Dance Parade will start at 11:45 at 20th and Broadway and go to Tompkins Square Park. Each group of dancers will perform with their choreography for 40 seconds before two Grandstands in Astor Plaza. There will also be a couple of fun visuals parading, including a pirate ship and a rainbow unicorn.
At the parade's finale, dancers will show curated performances on five stages. The public will also participate in dancing masterclasses and dance parties. The best part is that it’s all free!
This year will feature the 16th edition of the Dance Parade. The first one was held in 2006 in response to the New York State Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 1926 NYC Cabaret Law. The law denied social dance as an expressive activity under the first amendment.
Since then, the parade has been held every year. This event is a chance for the dancers to introduce their work to broader audiences, show their cultural heritage, and collaborate with other dancers. For the audience, the Dance Parade is a chance to learn more about dancing culture, fall in love with it, and maybe even start dancing themselves!
What can be better than a sunny late spring Saturday with great music, bright costumes, and breathtaking dancing? Spend the day with lots of fun at the Dance Parade! Bring your best friends, comfortable clothing, and, of course, a great mood for the best experience of this spring!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
New Wedding Trends
With all the delays and cancellations of weddings during COVID-19, 2022 will be the year of the weddings. Couples who weren’t able to bring their families together and perform an in-person ceremony will finally be able to make their dream come true. According to The Wedding Report, around 2.5 million weddings will occur in the US in 2022. It is going to be the biggest wedding year since 1984.
After all the difficulties and inconveniences, couples are trying to bring back the magic for such a special occasion. And what could be more memorable than the wedding dress? So let’s look at the latest wedding dress fashion to see what we can expect from the brides and give some ideas to the brides-to-be.
The new collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week this year, held from April 4 to 8, was very empowering. The designers made the statement, “You can finally get married this year!”
Instead of the classic white dress, designers offered brides colorful wedding gowns: pink, yellow, pick any color you like! So this year, you can fully show your personality with the wedding dress! This trend has already gone viral: a week ago, the bride appeared in a bright yellow voluminous dress at one of the New York City weddings.
That bride has definitely checked out the new trends! Voluminous dresses are the second trend of this year. In such a dress, any bride would feel like a princess. With this gown, you can get creative: voluminous skirts, ruffled hemlines, and tulle will make you look trendy and gorgeous!
For business ladies who prefer pants over dresses, there will be options for them too. Combined with a white jacket, they create an extraordinarily stylish and, at the same time, comfortable look. With so many designers presenting bridal pants this year, even the pickiest bride will find a model for herself!
Feathers are also staying with us for the wedding season, so here’s some good news for those who like this trend! If you want to try something new for a wedding dress, this is the way to go! This dress can be either the main dress or a second bride’s look. And that’s what’s perfect about it!
The lace embroidery dress will be a perfect option for the more romantic brides! Long-sleeved tulle bodices with hand-embroidered floral designs are the new classics!
Last but not least are puff sleeves. This trend came to us from 1980s weddings, but it took a different form this time. In 2022 brides choose removable puff sleeves, which, without any additional discomfort, bring volume to the dress.
The 2022 wedding collections gave us a lot of new perspectives on what a bride should look like. The next move is yours! What trend will you choose?
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Earth Day 2022
On Friday, April 22, articles about the Earth and the environment were everywhere in the Media. And this is not a coincidence. Starting from 1970, activists have been celebrating Earth Day annually on April 22. This year’s theme for Earth Day was “Invest in Our Planet.”
According to Google Trends, searches for “Earth Day” and “Earth Day events” have increased twice since last week. People were registering for events, like cleanups in the parks and on the beaches and tree planting. Those who didn’t have a chance to participate in person could check out conferences available on the Earth Day website about any topic they are interested in: Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution, Fashion, and Sustainability, Youth Activism, etc.
Some of the articles and events are oriented toward kids. Even with all the recycling marks on our cans and plastic containers, we are not sure which bin to put our trash in, what each mark means, and where the plastic we throw in recycling goes. Are we really helping the planet, or are we only made to believe we make a difference? To make sure there is no such problem with future generations, there are programs now that let children learn what sustainable living is and what they can do to actually help the planet. For example, The New York Times posted a story with a guide for kids about climate change and what can be done about it (Bad Future, Better Future).
Teachers in schools are also encouraged to teach kids about the environment by, for example, going outside to enjoy nature, doing environmental projects, like composting or working in the garden, or giving them homework connected to the environment.
There are also special programs for kids, including Kids & Nature. There, kids of different ages learn about wildlife gardening at home and in school, trees, and their role in wildlife. They also get access to learning outside in the fresh air.
Environmental topics are becoming more and more essential each year, and Earth Day is not only about a small group of activists promoting an eco-lifestyle anymore. Now it’s about millions of people all over the world participating in environmental events, teaching their kids about a sustainable lifestyle, and creating programs that will help us become more eco-friendly in the near future.
I am trying to be eco-friendly myself, but there is still a very long and sometimes hard way to go. But the more environment-oriented projects there are, the more I believe that I will achieve an eco-friendly lifestyle. The most important thing is to start.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Welcoming Easter
Easter is, without a doubt, the most important Christian holiday. It’s all about bringing families together, having fun, and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Not everyone celebrates Easter the same way, with Catholics and Orthodox having different traditions. Both are very exciting and fun, and I always waited for the day when we could finally start getting ready for Easter.
By the way, Easter in Catholic countries is celebrated a week before the Orthodox Christian one. This year, Catholic Easter is celebrated on April 17, and Orthodox on April 24.
But let’s get to the traditions. Catholic traditions are very well-known. I, being Orthodox and asking Americans about their Catholic traditions, realized that I knew a lot about them already. I’ve seen them in movies and cartoons, and sometimes my family even followed some of the Catholic traditions when we celebrated our Orthodox Easter.
For example, we would get small baskets for our eggs, and bunnies would become a huge part of the Easter decorations, even though originally Orthodox Easter didn’t have that.
But, unlike Catholics, the Orthodox don’t have egg hunts. Instead, we have egg fights, which are always hilarious! During a family dinner, we would all get a hard-boiled egg and bump it into the egg of the person next to us. The egg that gets crushed loses, and the stronger one gets to the next round and bumps into another winner. The person who beats all eggs wins.
The Orthodox also make special Easter cakes called Kulich. It’s a tall round cake with raisins inside and glazes and sprinkles on top. Some people believe that it represents a church because of its shape. Today, people mostly buy Kulich. Because of the specific ingredients and texture of the dough, it takes around 3-4 hours to make it, which is now a luxury not many people have.
What the Orthodox don’t have is chocolate eggs. If Catholics give chocolate eggs as gifts, especially for kids, Orthodox give real hard-boiled and colored eggs to everybody.
Coloring eggs is another fun tradition that both Catholics and Orthodox follow. There are now hundreds of ways to color the eggs! Before, even in my childhood, my grandmother would color eggs using onion peel to give a white egg a light yellow color. Now there are special pills with the coloring inside or stickers with Easter symbols that we use to get our eggs ready for Easter.
This Sunday, don’t forget to spend some time with your loved ones and celebrate a great holiday with your family.
Happy Easter!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Cherry Blossom Season is Back
For years, spring in NYC has been associated with the cherry blooming season, and it’s finally here! All over the city, pink blossoms are attracting tourists and residents. According to the Parks & Recreation Department, you can find 6,700 cherry trees in the city parks, and more than 34,000 cherry trees on the streets, so you definitely can’t miss cherry blossom!
One of the go-to destinations to enjoy the cherry blossom festival is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There, you can walk through a fairytale-looking trail. On that side of the garden, the first trees were planted in 1921, and since then thousands of people have been able to admire the pink beauty. Two of the originally planted trees are still there, at the north end of the walk.
And at the end of the season, you can visit the Botanic Garden to see the “pink snow” of falling petals.
Unfortunately, because of this spring’s cold weather, not all of the cherry trees are blooming, but, those that are, look like magical pink clouds in April's gray sky.
The great place to go to if you are in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It’s perfect if you want to fully feel the atmosphere of Japanese cities, whose cherry blossom seasons are so famous. There, the pond is surrounded by blooming cherry trees and flowers. Narrow gravel paths will walk you around the pond with a Japanese monument and a small duck house.
But cherry blossoms are not the only thing to see in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! Dozens of other trees and flowers are blooming now, creating a wonderful magic atmosphere, and it is definitely worth seeing!
If it’s your first time in the Botanic Garden, you can get a Seasonal Highlights Tour that is held Tuesday through Sunday from 1 pm to 2 pm. Such tours are held from April until June, so make sure not to miss the opportunity!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Where Does April Fools’ Day Come From?
March is slowly coming to an end, and we are all awaiting April. On its first day, we will be celebrating probably the most fun holiday of all - April Fools’ Day.
We are all used to its pranks, jokes, and a good laugh at those who we were able to fool. But where is this all coming from, and how did April Fools’ Day get to be celebrated all around the world?
The most popular theory about April Fools’ Day’s origin comes from France, where in 1582 the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar. Since then, New Year’s Day has been moved to January 1st instead of April 1st. However, some citizens, who couldn’t get used to the new system, or lived far enough to get the news slowly, kept celebrating the New Year in spring.
Such people started being joked about and pranked: somebody would put a paper fish on their backs, which symbolized a young fish that was easy to catch, and a gullible person.
Some historians also link April Fools’ Day to Hilaria, a festival celebrated in Ancient Rome at the end of March. There, the followers of the Cybele cult would dress up as disguises and mock citizens.
Whatever the real story is, in the 18th century, Britain followed the April Fools’ Day tradition, and since then, it has spread all over the world. People quickly caught the funny occasion and adopted it in their own culture.
Since then, countless jokes and pranks have been made, some funny, some mean, but always with good intentions. And the Internet, along with the new digital tools available to the masses, has added a whole new level of creativity and diffusion. People keep celebrating April Fools’ Day every year and keep coming up with new pranks to have some fun themselves and make others laugh.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Revolutionary Skincare from Arizona: Essential Sincerity by Elli K
In a world where we can easily lose ourselves in the hustle and stress of everyday life, it is essential more than ever to take time to reconnect with our true selves. To help us do that, the revolutionary, multi-patented skincare system, Essential Sincerity by Elli K, recently launched its collection in the US. The brand’s three-part system includes Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Cream; Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Double Ampoule; and the Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Mask.
As a frequent visitor of Sedona, Arizona, Elli K discovered how natural elements found in the earth and sea contain properties that can help heal and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Through partnering with a research lab at the University of Arizona, Elli K found a way to harness the energy and healing properties of these elements, creating a skincare system that repairs and restores damaged, aging skin - as if “reversing time.”
The three Elli K skincare products consist of four unique patented complexes with detoxifying properties made from Sedona Water and the rare Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the “immortal jellyfish.”
Those complexes are:
AZ10-BIOME™ - designed using a special double-fermenting process that blends cactus honey, echinacea, and banana yucca with Sedona Water to provide deep moisture to the skin.
AZ4-Rx™ - formulated with the most skin-friendly fermented oils to enhance the skin’s natural protection against the external environment.
NEUROVITY™ - an anti-aging complex, the “secret” of the immortal jellyfish.
PROGELINE™ - makes the skin more elastic and smooth.
Also an accomplished musician, Elli K incorporated music into the skincare ritual as a way to also reinvigorate the spirit. The seven tracks of soothing symphonic music transport the listener on a sonic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, while relaxing for 20 minutes after applying the Elli K Time Reverse Mask. Each track blends actual sounds of Arizona nature into the music, including the wind, birds, and flowing water. Combining both skincare and music in a relaxing multi-sensory ritual, balance is restored both inside and out.
In addition to touch and sound, the luxurious fragrance of the Elli K skincare products reinvigorates the sense of smell. Created by experts based on over a century of research in Argeville, France, the natural fragrances within the products enhance the relaxation and restoration of balance in the body.
Argeville is in compliance with environmental standards and health-conscious business ethics, which further provides Essential Sincerity by Elli K customers with a natural and nurturing way of beauty.
It’s time to rediscover the true you with Elli K.
The new Elli K EP, The Journey of a Hummingbird will also be available exclusively to Elli K customers with their purchase of the Essential Sincerity skincare system.
To check the entire line of products please visit ellikbeauty.com
For All Media Inquiries:
Beatrice Kimmel
EMPKT PR
Beatrice@empktpr.com
Stay Trendy!
As Spring becomes more vivid, it’s time to open your closets and switch all the warm jackets and sweaters to tops and skirts.
This Spring is the best time to get naughty with the latest trend about mini skirts! After being out of style for some time, in 2022 ‘minis’ are having a comeback! Both high and low-waisted mini-skirts were presented on the runway at the last NYFW and got a lot of attention. Take, for example, the viral Miu Miu mini skirt that brought us right back to the 2000s.
By the way, if you are a low-waist lover, this year’s trends are just for you! Not only low-waisted skirts but also low-rise jeans and pants have returned! Now, under-the-belly-button waistlines are a hit in new designers’ collections.
If you want to spice up this trend, try matching it with colorful tops (for example, lime-green, hot pink, or butter yellow, which are also a trend this year) or, if you are ready for more experiments, with triangular bras underneath a longer coat.
If low-rise is not for you, but you still want to wear something trendy and extravagant, try feathers. You can wear them any way you like: feather sandals, dresses, open-back feathered tops - anything would do it! But in case you think that’s too much, there is still a way for you to put on some feathers. Try shirts with feathers around the wrists or the ankles.
This Spring/Summer 2022 season is the perfect chance to be outrageously sexy! Don’t miss it!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Kilts and Whiskey: How to Understand Men
Men are always hard to understand. What do they like? What do they really want? Why do they do something in one way, and not the other?
One of the many questions I couldn’t find an answer for is why do they like strong drinks so much? For example, whiskey. What is so special about it?
The word whiskey comes from the Irish uisce beatha means “water of life,” which already sounds like a reason to try it, but let’s dig deeper.
Whiskey is one of the oldest drinks and originally comes from Ireland. It is believed that Irish monks brought the technology of distilling perfumes from their travels to southern Europe. Then they modified the technique so that the substance became drinkable.
Irish whiskey, in comparison to Scotch whiskey, has a smoother finish. The second one is more smoky with an earthy overtone.
So, knowing the drink's history, why is Irish whiskey so popular among men? Why do they prefer whiskey to, for example, sweet cocktails?
My understanding is that Irish whiskey is a status drink. It’s not only about the taste but also about the vibe it gives. Choosing whiskey represents a rich man with good taste and a particular reputation.
When I hear “whiskey,” I see a man sitting in an armchair next to the fireplace with a glass of this drink. In another hand, he is holding a cigar, and somewhere next to him is his dog sleeping on the mat.
The picture looks exquisite! I understand why most men want to see themselves in it. I would still prefer wine or a cocktail to whiskey, but that’s only because I want to see myself in a different picture.
Speaking of the Irish and Scottish whiskey, I was also thinking about why men wore kilts? And why do they still wear them now?
The kilt is a knee-length men’s dress skirt. Men used to wear kilts on formal occasions and sports events.
At first, it was a full-length garment, and men could wear the upper side as a draped over-the-shoulder cloak. Then, around the 1720s, Thomas Rawlinson, an English Quaker, invented a small (or walking) kilt. The idea was to separate the skirt from the upper part of the clothing to be easier to wear.
Even though wearing a kilt might look strange to a modern person, it actually makes sense. A skirt makes it easier for men to move, especially considering wearing kilts during sports events. It gave them complete freedom of movement.
Wearing kilts now is, of course, not necessary. So why do men still wear them?
I think it’s mostly a feeling of respect for your traditions and a connection to your roots. I doubt that kilts are widely spread in everyday life now. It is probably mostly worn to traditional weddings, sports games, and parades. It is also popular to wear kilts as a uniform in some traditional bars or restaurants.
Even though wearing kilts as a uniform looks very authentic and traditional, men need to be careful about it. Historically, kilts can be worn both with or without underwear, but it is believed that the “true Scotsman” won’t wear anything under his kilt. However, there have been stories about women who, after a couple of drinks in a bar, wanted to find out if the waiter was a “true Scotsman,” and instead of asking, checked it themselves. Because of that, in 2015, a bartender of the Hootananny pub in Inverness had to abandon kilts.
Instead of kilts, bartenders and waiters now wear Tartan shorts, which have the same pattern as kilts and are also associated with Scotland.
Well, men are probably not that hard to understand. It only takes a little bit of imagination and researching to figure that out!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
The Beauty of The Emeral Isle in New York
Celtic music is a whole of different music genres that came out of the folk music traditions of the Celtic people. It has a lot of various forms specific to each Celtic country: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, etc.
This Sunday, March 13, New Yorkers will have a chance to learn more about the Irish branch of Celtic music with the show ‘Postcards from Ireland.’ It’s a brand new show by ‘Celtic Woman,’ a Grammy-nominated music band.
Since the band’s debut in 2005, Celtic Woman has become a cultural phenomenon, consistently releasing best-selling albums and DVDs.
Through its music, Celtic Woman celebrates the traditions, culture, and history of Ireland while reflecting on the modern spirit of the country.
In the 16 years of performing, they were able to touch the hearts of listeners from all over the world!
Celtic Woman is a four-member band. The present members are Tara McNeill, Megan Walsh, Muirgen O’Mahony, and Chloë Agnew, who is one of the original members of Celtic Woman.
The Celtic Woman’s beautiful voices and masterful command of their instruments are accompanied by Irish dancers, bagpipes, and a band playing traditional Celtic instruments, like tin whistle, bodhran, Uilleann pipes, and bouzouki.
Now Celtic Woman is ready to charm us with their new show. Postcards from Ireland “celebrates the rich musical and cultural heritage of Ireland,” introducing the audience to the stories from the Emerald Isle.
The show is going to take place on Sunday, March 13, in St. George Theater, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island.
Make sure to buy tickets and dive into Ireland's rich history and traditions with the amazing performance of Celtic Woman.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Influence me, NYC!
In today’s world, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. It enables us to talk to friends, show our lives and even work as a blogger.
Bloggers, or - more appropriately - influencers, are often the first to implement fashion trends by portraying their lifestyles, so their job is to keep their audience updated and make sure that their content is regular and entertaining.
NYC is one of the best places for these influencers! Fashion weeks, hundreds of various brands, restaurants, and fancy locations are a great environment for creativity and work.
One of the most iconic locations is in Dumbo, with its view of the Manhattan Bridge. That is a place where almost everyone made at least one picture!
Another bridge we can’t forget is, of course, Brooklyn Bridge. Pictures in front of its arches look very fashionable and chic all year around!
A newer location opened in NYC last October. It is ‘The Summit,’ a glass observatory atOne Vanderbilt. It features a glass elevator thatbrings you to a room 1,200 feet above the ground, all made of mirrors. That looks like a great location for any fashion blogger! Futuristic and unconventional, this is the best place to take a picture in a trendy outfit.
Personally, my favorite location for influencers is Times Square. Always bright with all the screens, busy and loud, it gives a great New York City vibe with its energy, modernity, and progress.
But the job of influencers doesn’t stop at just finding a brand and a good location. They need to learn how to best present the brands they collaborate with. That’s when modeling helps. As bloggers become more and more popular, they get more professional in modeling and posing. All their pictures look like the work of a professional model.
For example, Chinese - American blogger Jessica Wang does a great job posing in front of the camera. Her pictures look fresh, and, what’s important, she is always able to show her outfit fully from the best angle.
Another fashionista whom I found interesting is Amra Beganovich. Her pictures are done in a very different way, even color-wise, but they are definitely original! Very cozy outfits show a vibe of minimalism, comfort, and warmth. Of course, with Dumbo, SoHo, Central Park, and Manhattan streets as favorite locations!
A little bit different are the works of a male influencer Francisco Lachowski. His posing is full of strength, sex, power, and masculinity. Such differences between men and women influencers are very understandable. Different fashion and different brands lead to a different vibe.
Influencers always have to keep up with trends and make professional shots to attract their audience and present new brands. It’s hard work, which influencers learned to do very professionally!
I, myself, am very impressed by the way they improved in the last couple of years!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia
Celebrating 400th Anniversary of Moliere
On cold February evenings, it’s always nice to feel warmth, passion, happiness, and inclusiveness. So on Saturday, February 19, I decided to visit the Russian Arts Theater & Studio. The theater was presenting a marvelous play dedicated to the 400th anniversary of Moliere, a 17th-century French playwright.
Aleksey Burago, a very talented Russian director, was able to create a light, funny and realistic play, representing the time Moliere lived in. The play was genuinely unforgettable between the bright costumes, tights, dresses, shoes, candlelight illuminating the whole set and the great set design made to resemble French theater!
The play is set in a theater, where Moliere is getting ready to show the king his new play, and the audience is simultaneously watching the play and taking part in it. The theater exists simultaneously in 21st century New York and 17th century Paris. Even though the presentation is scheduled for that day, actors do not know their roles and don’t want to rehearse. So instead, they are replaying scenes from their old plays: Versailles Impromptu, The Misanthrope, Tartuffe, The Miser, and Don Juan.
What was most exciting was that all the viewers were engaged in the play. Since the audience was, to some degree, truly part of the play, they felt like they were participating in everything that was happening along with the actors. I myself got worried that nothing was ready and I didn’t know my part! And some of the actors were entering right from the auditorium, talking to everybody on their way to the stage, which made everyone feel included.
The cast of extremely talented and diverse actors, including Albert Baker, Michael Anne Hoffert-Cone, Luisa Menzen, Robyne Parrish, Tom Schubert, Naira Zakaryan, and Di Zhu, were able to play each of their different roles very brightly and convincingly.
Tom Schubert was exquisite in the role of Moliere! Deeply worried about his reputation, not able to coordinate the actors, he was funny and enjoyable to watch! His ability to rapidly switch between roles without missing a line can only be envied!
Di Zhu, who played Mademoiselle Molière, showed a jealous wife who doesn’t like not being heard and appreciated by her husband. She was able to make every woman think about their men and every man think twice about neglecting the woman they love.
All of the actors had very palpable chemistry that everyone in the audience could feel from the first few minutes. They were playful, flirtatious, and charming.
Mr. Burago said that this was his goal. He wanted to create something funny and warm that would reflect Moliere’s life, work, and lifestyle.
The director explained that the real king, who Moliere was trying to oblige, is the audience because it is only the audience who determines if the play is high quality or not.
“It’s all about people,” and people really seemed to enjoy it!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Tom Schubert photographed by Joseph Ralph Fraia
Luisa Menzen photographed by Joseph Ralph Fraia
The Year Ahead. Let’s make a plan!
NYC is slowly coming back to normal, and dozens of new exhibitions and festivals are being planned for 2022. Here is the short list of the most interesting events I found for you!
2022 Exhibitions
Sherlock Holmes in 211 Objects (till April 15)
This exhibition, located at the Grolier Club in Lenox Hill, will feature "an unrivaled number" of Sir Conan Doyle's belongings. Among these belongings are short story manuscripts, holograph letters from Conan Doyle to friends, a book idea, a calendar note where Doyle wrote "killed Holmes" on, and a handwritten speech where the author explains the killing of Sherlock Holmes.
Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s) (February 11 - April 17)
Hosted by The Shed, located in the Bloomberg Building at 545 W 30th St, “Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)" features a 95-foot-diameter installation commissioned for the exhibit called "Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web.” The exhibition will fill the soaring 17,000-square-foot space and will emit vibrations from the movement of particles in the air and a spider’s entangled webs.”
TRUST (January 31 - May 30)
TRUST is a data-driven immersive exhibition, created via a collaboration between ARTECHOUSE, the host of the exhibition, and fuse*. fuse* is a multidisciplinary art studio engaging with technology to understand the complexity of human interaction. In the exhibition, fuse* is exploring and giving its interpretation of the concept of trust. The event is held in ARTECHOUSE NYC, located at 439 W 15th St.
Louise Bourgeois: Paintings (April 12 - August 7)
This exhibition, hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents paintings produced by Louise Bourgeois, a French-American artist, between her arrival in New York in 1938 and her turn to sculpture in the 1940s. The Met describes the exhibit as the first comprehensive exhibition of the artist’s paintings, which established the motifs that defined her later work as a sculptor.
Virgil Abloh “Figures Of Speech” (July 1 - January 29, 2023)
This exhibition presents the work of Virgil Abloh, late visionary artist and designer. The guests will see how his work reshaped the way we understand the role of fashion, art, design, and music in contemporary culture. The exhibition will be held in the Brooklyn Museum.
NYC X Design (May 10-20)
NYCxDESIGN is a non-profit organization that is “committed to empowering and promoting the city’s diverse creative community.” Starting from May 10 and until May 20, you will be able to take part in the tenth anniversary NYCxDesign Festival with group exhibitions, public installations, and open studios.
The Orchid Show in NYC guide (through May 1)
“The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope” returns to NYC this year, after the display was interrupted by Covid in 2020. The New York Botanical Garden’s Enid A. Haupt conservatory will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of hypnotic floral designs, under the direction of American designer Jeff Leatham.
2022 Fashion Events
In America: An Anthology of Fashion (May 7 - September 5)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting the second part of the exhibition, which explores fashion of the United States, In America: An Anthology of Fashion. According to the MET, the exhibition “will highlight sartorial narratives that relate to the complex and layered histories of the American Wing period rooms.”
Kimono Style. The John C. Weber Collection (June 7 - February 20, 2023)
This exhibition will show the kimono styles from the late Edo period (1615–1868) through the early 20th century when the kimono was adapted to the lifestyle of Japanese women. The exhibition will feature works of John C. Weber Collection of Japanese art that explores “the mutual artistic exchanges between the kimono and Western fashion, as well as highlights from The Costume Institute’s collection.”
The Color Black in History and Fashion (March 23)
Throughout the centuries, the color black has adorned princes and priests, rebels and renegades, and artists and intellectuals. Prominent in fashion today, Black has carried myriad meanings and messages as the color was associated with various individuals and groups. On the evening of March 23rd, at the National Arts Club, art historian Carmela Spinelli will explore the rich history behind the color Black, and how it came to hold such a special place in fashion.
Leah McSweeney: Chaos Theory (April 5)
Leah McSweeney, a fashion designer and Real Housewives of New York City star will present her debut memoir Chaos Theory: Finding Meaning in the Madness, One Bad Decision at a Time. The event is going to happen in The Strand Book Store's 3rd floor Rare Book Room at 828 Broadway on 12th Street.
Bonnet Bash “A Feast For The Eyes” (April 8)
Hosted by the National Arts Club, the Bonnet Bash showcases a plethora of extravagant headwear. Designers including Sarah Sparkles and Darrell Thorne will take part. Visitors can create their own hat and bring it to potentially win one of many prizes.
NYFW Bridal April (April 6 - April 8)
New York Fashion Week (September 9 - September 14)
Film Festivals 2022
Tribeca Film Festival (June 8 - 19)
New York International Children’s Film Festival (March 4 - March 13)
The New York International Children’s Film Festival is the biggest festival in the country for kids' movies and animation. It includes new screenings, short film programs, information sessions with the creators, workshops and other special events throughout the celebration.
NYC Independent Film Festival (June 12 - June 19)
The NYC Independent Film Festival is an annual event displaying the best independent cinematography. It introduces the public to movies made by local NYC directors, as well as to a variety of foreign films.
Big Apple Film Festival (May 23 - May 27)
Big Apple is a film festival that is focused on showing movies from the NYC independent film community. It also showcases a limited number of selected films across the United States and other countries.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photo by Unsplash
Crazy Rich Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is back, and Americans are ready to party. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the NFL Championship, with the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals fighting for the victory.
While most people will party in their backyards or at their neighbor's bar with beer and nachos, few will throw expensive and luxurious parties in their mansions.
Rob Gronkowski, the famous football player, is in for a big party this year. He is inviting one of his fans and up to 15 of his friends to his house, where they will be able to watch a game, drink, and celebrate. In an interview with FOX Business, Gronkowski said, that the party is going to be “epic,” with mini-golf and a bounce house planned.
Bloomberg and Neiman Marcus are also hosting a party in the famous Goldstein Manson in Los Angeles with its pool, outdoor terrace, and club area. The house has already been used for various film and music video shoots, and this year it’s opening its doors for the Super Bowl fans.
But probably the most expensive celebration will be thrown by Playboy, with the price of the tickets varying from $1,250 to just get inside to $25,000 for a VIP ticket with drinks and a personal table included. So if you are looking for a luxurious Super Bowl party, and you’re willing to pay a pretty penny, this one is for you.
As a person who has never celebrated the Super Bowl before, I was amazed by how big the parties can get. For me, though, it’s going to be a small one: at home with some friends watching the game but also waiting for the Halftime Show which this year is dedicated to hip-hop culture with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar performing.
I think that’s a good way to start!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Cam Vidal photographed by @adelaidechantilly
Cam Vidal - The Rhythm of Life pounding the strings of her Bass.
I am on my way to the ‘Grey Dog,’ the iconic hipster homey cafe destination for many of the nearby NYU students, and, as I walk through Union Square, I see the humanity of New York City attempting to regain a sense of normality in days that are still complex and uncertain in many different ways.
Nevertheless, if there is a quality that unifies all New Yorkers, that is undisputedly resilience. The City is the renowned most challenging boot camp for the daily grind and hustle you can find in the world. But, notoriously, it is also the place where you can find an unexpected oasis of tranquillity and relaxation, and maybe that is, indeed, a self-defense mechanism for a population otherwise always inevitably on edge.
I know I will have my moment of relax and chill because I am about to meet songwriter, musician, and performer Camille (Cam) Vidal.
She greets me with her bright and sincere smile and the adorable way she pronounces my name with her French accent: Joséf.
As we sit at our table, Cam tells me how happy and enthusiastic she is to be in New York, the city she envisioned herself in since she was a little girl, passionate about music and adventure.
And so, carried by her electric positivity, I asked her what she loves so much about being a musician in New York.
The reason - she says - is that she gets to play with so many incredible artists, different for background, style, and skills, and in so many different contexts and venues, each one with their distinctive audience and aficionados, always competent and passionate.
Jam Sessions are another incredible plus of living in New York as an artist, she points out, because they give a musician the opportunity to continuously train and engage with an astonishing variety of performers and styles.
In such an environment, she feels like a kid in a candy store, immersed in a dream world where she can learn, exchange and grow as a person and as an artist.
Something that really surprised and impressed her positively has been the inclusiveness and support that fellow musicians and performers provide to each other in New York. She stressed out that on and off the stage, she receives waves of inputs, tips, and feedback always with a smile and sincere appreciation, especially from musicians older or more experienced than her, something that has allowed her to improve in so many areas and so much faster.
We are already 20 minutes into our conversation, and Cam and I realize that the waitress is waiting for us to place our order. So, after exchanging an accomplice and silly glance at each other, we hide behind our menus and swiftly order two drinks.
As we laugh about our childish mix of guilt and fun, I ask Camille about her first steps into music and what brought her into that world.
She recounts starting as early as six years old, with an initial interest in acoustic guitar. Everything looked really good until she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and underwent surgery. The outcome was positive, but the consequent pain and especially the rehabilitation process turned out to be longer and more challenging than she thought, to the point that Camille even considered altogether dropping studying and practicing music.
That is when who stepped in was her father, a professional drummer himself. His familiarity with music, especially rhythm and coordination, pushed him to inspire and convince Camille to continue, switching from guitar to bass on the conviction that the latter is the backbone of any real band. As a result, she could strengthen her spine in learning to become the load-bearing pillar of fellow musicians.
Cam embraced the challenge and didn’t regret it. Not only did she continue her studies at the local municipal school but she was also babysitting to pay for her bills. In addition, she formed a close and special relationship with two of the kids she was looking after. They even went on a tour in France, reaching national notoriety and publishing an album.
Music at that point was Cam’s life, and she enrolled at the local jazz school: another challenging path she undertook and overcame, graduating after five years at the age of only 22 years old and publishing a pop EP in the process.
Understandably, Cam’s talent and passion were bigger than just the borders of France, so she decided to learn English and move to New York City back in 2018. Since then, she says her experience and growth have been invaluable.
At this point, I am really impressed by Cam’s spontaneity and simplicity with which she describes such an incredible journey at such a young age. And so, I want to know more about her, especially about her creative process. Her answer yet again surprised me.
It turns out that she is entirely autonomous and independent when it comes to composing her music. She started at a young age and doesn’t just write her bass lines, but the ones of all the other instruments: drums, guitar, and keyboards. She sings too. So, composer, songwriter, and singer. Amazing!
Now, as for many artists, Cam says that also for her the creative process rather than conscious is more a compulsive one. But what is peculiar about her, is how she has obviated satisfying her creative urge: using the Garage Band app on her iPhone.
That allows her to create and compose wherever she is. She tells me that, ear pods on, whenever she feels inspired she opens her phone and writes tracks, bases, and lyrics. On the subway, chilling in a park, on the commute to work, or just sitting at home. She can’t explain where the creative impulse comes from, but she knows she can’t resist it and enjoys how the process unfolds.
One of her main inspirations is American composer, record producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller. She aspires to be musically polyvalent and to be able to let the choral component of her songs shine, jumping from jazz and R’n’B to pop and funk, keeping voice and instruments a unison.
All that sounded amazing to me, that’s why I was super happy to hear from Cam that, soon, she will publish her first album as a mature artist, a project that for her - she tells me - is very personal and very important because it is going to embody who she is and what her vision represents. It’s going to be a work to inspire people to be and feel proud about themselves, but also a testimony of the importance of living by example, like she is doing, being independent, not fearful, and without taboos.
Almost two hours went by in a snap, and I didn’t realize how long we had been talking.
Cam and I finished our drinks a long time ago, and we can see our waitress squinching her eyes towards us, and we understood it was time for us to leave the table to somebody else. Not before hearing from Cam that her album will be in production during this year and the release is scheduled for the end of 2022. Until then she will keep performing in NYC with a lot of bands, so follow her on Instagram @camvidal to stay posted. I know I will do and can’t wait to see her performing live.
Damn’, I love New York so much.
Article by Joseph Ralph Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Photo Credit @adelaidechantilly
OUT NOW! New Award-winning Independent Film
THE REUNION available on major North American VOD Platforms
New Award-winning Independent Film THE REUNIONavailable on major North American VOD Platforms
Starring: Dave Rosenberg, Andrea Modica, Dinh James Doan and Cara Ronzetti
With Special Appearances by: Drama Desk Award-winning actor Austin Pendleton and Actor/Comedian Jim Norton
(Los Angeles, CA - February 1, 2022)
Today, the award-winning spiritual thriller film, The Reunion, hits all major VOD platforms in North America. The film, which won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Feature Film at film festivals last year, is available now on North American VOD (Comcast, Spectrum, Altice), iVOD (iTunes, Prime Video, ROKU, Apple TV) and Home Video distribution platforms (DVD, Blu-ray). For a full list of where to purchase the film, view here.
Film Threat calls The Reunion “a gorgeous film to look at from start to finish" with "awe-inspiring cinematography" and "great storytelling."
Film Daily says “the film carries a poignant balance of self-deprecation within self-realization.”
Behind the Rabbit Productions says “the film was shot guerilla-style in 16 days, but you would never know it. It looks like a much bigger-budget feature, and the music and editing contribute to the professional feel of the film.”
The Reunion first premiered at the 2021 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Iowa and has been presented at three other film festivals in New York. The film has garnered four awards so far, including Best Picture and Best Actor at the SOHO International Film Festival as well as Best Feature Film and Best Director at the Nyack Film Festival last fall. Nyack Film Festival Director Richard Quinn calls the film " a spiritual thriller” that “digs deeply into the center of psychological and philosophical tension.”
The Reunion is based on the real-life traumatic childhood experience of Dave Rosenberg, the film’s writer and producer who also stars as the protagonist, Ricky Reilly. Ricky, a former actor who is seeking spiritual fulfillment, suddenly has his life turned upside down when he runs into his childhood bully. Seeing his old nemesis reawakens memories and emotions that compel Ricky to finally face his greatest fear in order to discover a new definition of manhood.
The film also stars Andrea Modica, Dinh James Doan, and Cara Ronzetti, with special appearances by Drama Desk Award-winning actor Austin Pendleton and Actor/Comedian Jim Norton.
The Reunion is out now on iTunes on all other major VOD, iVOD and Home Video platforms, listed here.
Gravitas Ventures is the film’s exclusive North American distributor. The partnership was negotiated by Megan Huggins of Gravitas Ventures and DJ Dodd of Future Proof Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
For all press inquiries, contact Beatrice Kimmel at beatrice@empktpr.com or at 917-848-0919.
MORE ABOUT THE FILM
The Reunion is a passion project created over two decades by Rosenberg with his friends and colleagues, Andrea Modica and Dinh Doan. The film follows in the footsteps of similar films born by brotherhood, such as Swingers, Good Will Hunting and Blindspotting. The Reunion illuminates New York City in the way movies like Annie Hall, Manhattan and Taxi Driver did in the 1970s. The film is the product of nearly 100 dedicated filmmakers, collaborating on the East Coast and West Coast, on a very low budget, with all the creativity, talent, grit and determination of a Scorsese film.
ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES
Gravitas Ventures is a worldwide film distributor that connects filmmakers and producers with a global audience of over a billion people. As an all-rights distributor, Gravitas has hundreds of relationships with movie theatres and across home entertainment including VOD, DVD and television. Gravitas was one of the first companies to develop a global network of digital media partners across transactional video on demand (VOD), premium video on demand (PVOD), subscription video on demand (SVOD), and ad-sponsored video on demand (AVOD). For more information: https://gravitasventures.com/
The Reunion is available on major VOD platforms (find full listing below):
https://www.thereunionfilm.com/
For More Information:
https://www.thereunionfilm.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/the.reunion.film.nyc/
For All Media Inquiries: Beatrice Kimmel / Beatrice@empktpr.com / 917-848-0919
Meet Annie Nguyen, the seven years old Vietnamese girl from Houston with a dream to conquer NYFW runways
I had the pleasure to meet Annie, a seven-year-old model in Houston, at her first catwalk in December 2020 at one of the first children's fashion shows in the Greater Houston area.
Annie looks like an angel: slender body, silky long thick black hair, and big double-lid almond-shaped eyes, the unique features of the Southeast Asian ladies and young girls.
Annie was timid at first when she met me. But after just a few minutes, when she started to get to know me, she offered to sing and dance a traditional Vietnamese song for me, and I was so impressed.
When I told her that she was pretty, she smiled brightly and said it was because she looked like her father, Linh Nguyen.
We have kept in touch ever since; her talent and innocence really touched me.
I learned that she has two older brothers, one of whom was born with diabetes at birth. Even though she is just a little girl, she helps her parents take care of the sick brother and keep the house tidy.
This NYFW Feb 2022, Annie and her mom will be in New York City for the first time for Annie to participate in fashion shows for children.
We can't wait to see Annie, the Vietnamese Texan girl, shining on the runway in Big Apple.
Photos by Nguyen Family
Chuck’s Vintage
A Luxurious Legacy in Denim
A new luxurious flagship retail outlet is opening in Manhattan, and this is the place for those with a taste for fashion to get their fix. Chuck’s Vintage, an iconic brand renowned among celebrity elite and fashion enthusiasts alike, is saying goodbye to LA and hello to New York City.
Steve Jobs, Robert Plant, Morrisey, Alexa Chung, and - according to The SPIN OFF magazine - "every starlet in-between” were among the first customers in the original LA’s Melrose Place store, opened in 2006, by founder and iconic supermodel Madeline Cammarata.
The opening of the new flagship will be to celebrate the memory of Cammarata, who tragically passed away less than a year ago. She began her fashion journey as a model after being discovered by legendary photographer Helmut Newton. Her love for vintage clothing grew throughout her illustrious career, having once sold a famed pair of jeans for one million dollars (the most expensive pair ever sold!). She additionally provided fabric development for renowned clothing brands, including 7 For All Mankind.
James DiPrima, president of Chuck’s Vintage, said in a recent interview “this is our way of not only keeping Madeline’s legacy alive but also growing the brand that she grew from the ground up and made into a sensation worldwide. I and everyone who knew and worked with Madeline, want to share her passion and innovation with everyone.”
Chuck's specializes in securing denim apparel. Its blue jean pieces range from Strongholds found in the California Gold Rush mines to World War II-Era Levi's, Lees, and Wranglers, as well as 1960's ladies high-waisted and groovy deadstock Levi's bells.
Customers can also purchase vintage American workwear, including rugged military and work boots, buttery leather bomber jackets, and soft, perfectly worn-in vintage 70's rocker tees.
Despite some hurdles in her last years she continued to thrive, and grow Chuck’s Vintage into the enigmatic store it has become. Her love for New York City was the inspiration for her husband Vincent to open this flagship in Manhattan. ”My husband Vincent has never left my side, not even as we have traveled all across the country and been to every doctor,” Madeline told Social Life in 2018. “This man has loved me unconditionally. My life, to me, is a real love story, and I don’t think it’s something that other people have experienced the way I have.”
Nothing Haunts Us Like the Vintage We Didn’t Buy.
Learn more:
Website: www.chucksvintage.com
Instagram: @chucksvintageoriginal
Cheyenne Borden-Brunet
Sybelle Gaubert
Maxine Hoover
Zunaira Khan
From the left: Sarah Neides, Cheyenne Borden-Brunet, Yuki Fan, Sybelle Gaubert, Zunaira Khan
Yuki Fan
Alexandra VanHoesen
Sarah Neides
Angelico Osterburg
Sonali Raman presents her new collection ‘Summer Sorbet’ during NYFW 2021 at The Rooftop of Selina Hotel, Chelsea - NYC
In the luxurious and exotic ambient of ‘The Rooftop’ at Selina Hotel in Chelsea, New York, designer Sonali Raman presented yesterday, September 8, her ‘Summer Sorbet’ Collection during the event organized by ‘Shop Local Designers’ in collaboration with the PR agency Find Your ID NYC. Press and Media coverage was provided by the team of the international lifestyle magazine Livein and JRF Studio.
The creations presented on the runway are a fine selection of jewelry and dresses that stand out for their vibrant colors, pastel notes, and very original patterns, ideal for women who want to feel beautiful and comfortable.
The new collection is extremely versatile and fresh, offering perfect solutions as loungewear, resort wear, and practical but fancy apparel to run everyday errands.
Wearing Sonali’s creations is not only a choice for style but one for a different increasingly supported approach to fashion that pays attention to the sustainability of the materials and the ethical nature of its sources.
Sonali’s dresses and jewelry are made with exceptional care for the selection of the fabrics, all-natural, and the assurance of fair work conditions for the expert artisans who make those creations possible.
The show at Selina Hotel, Chelsea, was blessed with a beautiful day that exhibited an evocative, warm sunset right when the models came out on the runway, and a soft breeze added an exotic, magical vibe to an experience that was welcomed with awe by an audience captivated by the perfection of the moment.
Sonali Raman is already based in New York and present in the U.S. as a member of the Shop Local Designers’ Collective of designers and creatives centered around the homonymous platform shoplocaldesigners.com and its brand representative program, which has allowed her an immediate and pervasive introduction in several fashion events and pop-ups in iconic locations in New York City and Long Island.
The designs presented on the runway will be already available to customers at the sustainable fashion pop-up event on Sunday, September 12, at Idealglass Studio in the heart of the West Village. An excellent opportunity to add Sonali’s creations to your wardrobe and jewelry box.
For more info, visit shoplocaldesigners.com and follow us on Instagram @shoplocaldesigners.
Article and photos by Joseph Fraia - jrfstudio.com - Instagram @jrfstudio
Featured Models: Sarah Neides, Cheyenne Borden-Brunet, Yuki Fan, Sybelle Gaubert, Zunaira Khan, Alexandra VanHoesen, Maxine Hoover, Angelico Osterburg,
The Fashionista Professor of New York City: Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham
Interview and article by Joseph Ralph Fraia
On Saturday, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham, Brooklyn College marketing professor at the luxury Ideal Glass studio in West Village—Manhattan. At the time of this interview, both Dr. Pham and Imani Jones, CEO of Find Your ID NYC (a global talent agency), were auditioning models for the upcoming New York fashion week (NYFW). Dr. Pham was always professional and fashionable. She dressed in a trendy pink suit with the designer slingback heels and the latest collection of Gucci wallets. Before I sat down with Dr. Pham, the first impression she gave me was a welcoming smile and a handshake. Dr. Pham greeted me with her native Vietnamese name, “Ngoc” (K-n-o-c). She told me that “Ngoc” means “Emerald” in her native language (Vietnamese). During the interview, Dr. Pham discussed with me the latest trends in the fashion industry, how she was involved in the New York fashion week, and how she could apply her academic and professional knowledge to the fashion industry. But also how marketing could be taught and learned with hands-on experience, how she coached her students to take on any opportunities that are good for their career, and how she settled down in her new hometown NYC.
One of Dr. Pham’s students, Johnny Desius, senior Brooklyn College student in Finance, was at the casting site for New York fashion week models. He was quite interested in being on stage to be a model and was encouraged by Dr. Pham to take this rare audition opportunity. He had been working hard and practicing for modeling. Johnny told me, “I have been waiting for this casting opportunity for two years. I read the announcement for a model audition on International Business Association (IBA) club social media, which was made by Dr. Pham when she was on sabbatical. I first walked for a fashion show in October 2019 at the Halloween Music and Fashion at Brooklyn College. Professor Pham and her IBA student club collaborated with the NYFW designers to bring out artists to perform for free for students on campus. After that, I realized my love and passion for being a runway model. I have been practicing since then. ” Due to his hard work, practicing, and Dr. Pham’s encouragement, Johnny was getting 10 out of 10 from all the judges and selected to be one of the models for Find Your ID NYC (FYIDNYC) runway this NYFW.
Derek Rosenberger, 20 years old, Pace university student, and LGBT+ community member, was another model inspired, motivated, and coached by Dr. Pham to participate in this casting call. He said, “Dr. Pham is the daily ‘gymmer’ at the Equinox-Downtown Brooklyn where I am working at the front desk. She inspires me to be a professional model. So when this opportunity came up, she informed me immediately. It is wonderful to see someone seriously want the best for me and recognize my talent.”
I also met Samantha Chan at the casting site, 25 years old, a freelance stylist and interior designer, and a Brooklyn College 2018 alumna. She told me, “I have known Dr. Pham for almost three years. I took her marketing classes in my final year. I was the lead model at the NYFW in September 2018. She inspired us to follow our passion for fashion. She shared her connections in the fashion industry with us. She always dressed well to give lectures and update us with the latest fashion trends.”
I asked Dr. Pham, “what are the things you appreciate the most in NYC?” She said, “I appreciate the Brooklyn College working environment and the various opportunities NYC can offer. My colleagues are very supportive. I lived in Texas for ten years before moving to New York. The first time I arrived at the Brooklyn College campus, they provided guidance on which kind of winter jacket I should buy to survive the New York City winter. Students are very eager to learn and inspired to be the best. Many of them are first-generation college students, so the degrees from Brooklyn College will help them change their future. New York City is the capital of the fashion world. If the students are interested in fashion, they are definitely in the right place. They just need to catch the opportunities.”
One of the opportunities Dr. Pham caught is being an event-organizing volunteer to serve the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams starting this September. She said, “I have been blessed with the kindness of the people in New York City. I am a resident of Midwood, Brooklyn. My neighbors are supportive. I want to return the favor. This is my culture. I see my future in New York City. I would like to help grow my beloved city, my new hometown. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
The Man of Style
Aleksander Janik is a man of style and of sophisticated mannerisms that seems to come from another era. Always impeccably dressed and styled, he walks through the New York jet set and celebrity scene with wit, knowledge, humor, and – of course – the right dose of pungent sarcasm that distinguishes all New Yorkers. Someone would say, and it would be right, that he is a true gentleman, in the most iconic and fashionable way you can imagine.
After all, he is one of the most renowned and respected fashion consultants and stylists in New York.
With a mile-long list of American and International celebrities, personalities, and jet setters who want to work with him, Aleksander has a unique talent in educating and sharing with people the best New York has to offer and the A-list destinations for luxury and exclusive lifestyle.
His profession has to match the highest standards in the industry and, if on the surface his job seems to be attending VIP parties and top boutiques and venues, in reality, it is a business where there isn’t room for the smallest oversight or inattention: at stake, there is the reputation and career of celebrities and personalities for whom their personal branding is worth millions, sometimes billions of dollars.
But when Aleksander is not at work, he is a very private and discreet man, one who values quality time with family and friends. And above all, the informal occasions show his genuine curiosity and attention for people from all backgrounds, ranks, and places.
The only reason I was able to convince him to do the editorial featured in this issue is because of our personal friendship and my desire to have him receiving the appreciation he deserves for his work ethic and his remarkable achievements.
He is very proud of being the embodiment of the American Dream: he is the son of Polish immigrants who came to the States, like many others, with very few resources but a strong determination to succeed.
Determination and perseverance, along with kindness and honesty, are the qualities he constantly highlights to be the most important ones that everybody should aim to, especially in their professional career.
In this editorial, I had the privilege of shooting personally the photos we feature in this issue. I wanted everybody to see how Aleksander is an authentic testimony of the values he promotes.
After all, his declared goal is to have his clients feeling beautiful, confident, and great in expressing their personalities through an original and personal style. And he is the ‘Man of Style.’
Article and pictures: Joseph Ralph Fraia @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Location: Salmagundi Club, NYC
Naurah USA presents her new collection in New York at the Norwood
New York-based designer Ayesha Khanna presented last April 21st, 2021, the new collection of her brand Naurah USA at the exclusive Club the Norwood in the heart of Downtown Manhattan on the occasion of the event organized by Pynk NYC in collaboration with Shop Local Designers.
The fashion show took place in the iconic ‘Red Room,’ in the historic mansion home of the prestigious club founded by Alan Linn, and featured the elegant, high-fashion creations of Naurah USA, sophisticated gowns with a perfect mix of exotic ethnic style and edgy urban character.
Stunning colors, elaborated embroideries, and distinctive designs exalt the appealing femininity of these dresses.
The show was the perfect acme of an event dedicated to celebrating women in fashion and in business, the very mission of Pynk NYC, the organization founded by Creative Director Imani Jones, that partnered up with the digital platform ShopLocalDesigners.com to add to the protagonists of the night even more local creators.
Over the four floors of the egregious mansion, the enthusiastic attendees had the chance to discover fashion designers, jewelry designers, artists, dancers, performers while enjoying the jam session lead by the band Hoox and the Afrikanos.
The event was rewarded by overwhelming success, marked by the appreciation shown by the members of the club and the numerous guest who bought their tickets to access the highly selective venue.
It was great to see New York City shine again as the capital of fashion and entertainment after such a challenging year and to find that die-hard Newyorkers have kept intact their love for everything makes the Big Apple such a special place to be in.
Livein Magazine is the proud media partner of the event and will feature a full reportage of the event in the next issues of both its local and international editions.
Article and photos by Joseph Fraia @jrfstudio
Mr. Quach Thai Cong
From left to right Johnny Desius, Freelance Model/Brooklyn College student, Mr. Quach Thai Cong, Imani Jones, CEO of Find Your ID NYC
Interview with Quach Thai Cong: Mr. Elegant
Interview and article by Ngoc Cindy Pham, MBA, PhD
What makes Mr. Thai Cong so successful in interior design?
I have the distinct honor to sit down with Mr. Quach Thai Cong, the magician of interior design. He is called "Mr. Elegant" for his sophisticated taste of fashion and lifestyle, which has influenced millions of Vietnamese, especially the young generations. Mr. Thai Cong's fashion taste is considered standard for gentlemen in a professional environment, not even talking about upscale society. The praise of his home decoration and lifestyle reaches the top level of being aesthetic and comfortable. In addition, Thai Cong has a successful YouTube channel with more than 400,000 followers, where he shares his daily life. Both Thai Cong and his boyfriend are advocates for the LGBT community in Vietnam, where the idea of homosexuality is still a new concept, not to mention that "coming out" publicly to family members, friends, and at the workplace is taboo. Mr. Thai Cong was born in Saigon, Vietnam. He and his family went to Germany in 1981, when he was nine years old. He speaks German, English, and Vietnamese. Thai Cong was raised in a traditional Vietnamese culture, and his design is uniquely oriental.
I myself am a Vietnamese American, born in Nha Trang, Vietnam. I have visited many countries such as Singapore, Australia and chose to reside in the USA for the last 13 years. I called NYC my home and became a college business professor three years ago at the City University of New York. I am also the Director of Marketing for New York Fashion Week – X Change Fashion Show. From my personal experience, I can say that Thai Cong's taste in fashion and interior design conforms to the international standard with a distinguished oriental twist.
It was a great pleasure sitting down with Mr. Thai Cong on a warm Tuesday morning in the lobby of Plaza Hotel in midtown Manhattan. He and his partner, Mr. Huy Yves, still under jetlag from the longest flight of 18 hours from Singapore to NYC, was well-dressed as always for our interview at 11 am. Mr. Thai Cong was in his dark blue plaid suits, the matching blue tie with baby pink hearts, and the high blue socks. Everything is perfect down to each detail. Cologne is just enough to let people around him enjoy the scent at a pleasant level. Everything with Thai Cong is perfect, at the right amount. I can describe: "If a little bit less, we feel something missing. If a bit more, it is no longer that exciting."
During the interview, Mr. Thai Cong shared with me his secret of elegance. He told me that he lives up to the standards that he teaches. He lives in a luxury home with the elegant lifestyle that he has created for his clients. When he travels, he only stays at top-notch hotels. For example, in the Plaza Hotel, where I met him for the interview, several Baccarat chandeliers are in the lobby areas. Lady Gaga once enjoyed her stay at this Plaza hotel so much that she posted several photos in her glamorous outfits from this location. Thai Cong explains: "In order to create a luxury living setting for my clients, I have to live in one. Otherwise, how can they trust my taste and expertise? Everything I have created for my clients, I myself experience, live in, such a pleasant environment. I am using tens of thousands of dollars tables, chandeliers, hundreds of dollars wine glasses at home. They are the same ones I am selling at my showroom."
Mr. Thai Cong was majored in fashion design at first. Later his talent was recognized when the clients visited his studio. They were so impressed by the elegance, beauty, and uniqueness of his furniture and decors and offered to buy them from Mr. Thai Cong. Afterward, the clients invited him to decorate their homes. From one customer to another, Mr. Thai Cong has grown the business by word of mouth. The clients happily shared Thai Cong's expertise with their friends and family. During the interview, Thai Cong was laughing when he was talking about the journey of becoming an interior designer. It is absolutely fateful!
Mr. Thai Cong is humble and charming. When I was interviewing him in Vietnamese, along with my co-host, Miss Imani Jones, the founder, and CEO of Find Your ID NYC interviewing him in English, he made many jokes. One thing I really appreciated was that - out of all the VIPs I have interviewed in the past two years - he is one of the few ones who did not want the questions ahead of time. In fact, when I offered him the question list fifteen minutes before the interview, he sent it back immediately with a smile and said, "Surprise me!"
His clients are in the top 1% in Vietnam. The contracts start from 500,000 USD. His most recent project is worth more than 5 million USD, just for interior design. He is trusted by many people. Bringing the luxury lifestyle in interior design to the emerging Vietnam market, his homeland, is profitable and at the right time.
Published by Livein Chief Editor Joseph r. Fraia
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Bag: Habanero Padova - Italy; Fragrances: Scentbird; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Jacket: Alhassan Toure Designs; Hair Products: Viore; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Bag: Habanero Padova - Italy; Hair Products: Hair La Vie Vitamins and Lash24™ - AM/PM Formula; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Jacket: Alhassan Toure Designs; Energy Bars: Verb Energy; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Supplement: Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar and ashwagandha gummies; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Corset: Alhassan Toure Designs; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Life of an Influencer
This month we have the pleasure to get to know one of our favorite New York Influencers, Jillian, who reached popularity through her Instagram profile @queengotham, where she shares her lifestyle and her favorite products with a distinctive glossy and natural style.
In Pop Culture and in our society being an influencer went from a casual hobby just few years ago to become nowadays a multi-million industry with star-level personalities who are among the most popular celebrities on the planet: Chiara Ferragni, Charlie D’Amelio and … just to name a few.
In this editorial, I spent a day with Jillian during her routine in promoting the brands that she always very carefully selects, and it was really impressive the attention to detail and the professionalism that she puts in place to make sure that each brand gets appropriately and effectively portraited and promoted.
I was curious to learn directly from her what convinced her to do this editorial for traditional media when her presence is mostly digital and in particular on Instagram. And Jillian answered in her typical direct and genuine manner.
‘I am grateful to the opportunity Livein Magazine has given to me with this editorial so I can draw attention to some of the brands I’ve worked with in different capacities as an influencer. I wanted to highlight some of the unique businesses - both small and large - that I’ve worked with over the last year because each one of them is so special and has something great to offer to my audience. I wanted to show my appreciation and to send positive vibrations and good karma, especially considering that we still are affected by the events that have taken place during the 2020 pandemic into the present 2021’.
My second question was obviously about how she became an influencer.
‘All started out through my yoga training and yoga gear. As a child and teenager, I modeled runways and became what was known as a promotional model, where I worked with Buckler non-alcoholic brew, Estee Lauder and Citgo Cars to name a few.
I grew up as a gymnast first, then became a professionally trained ballet dancer and later a ballet teacher at elite schools with professional training programs, and eventually an adjunct professor. Dance injuries led to my yoga path which in turn led to my path as a healer and a successful journey of many years, with two offices in NoMad NYC as well as with at-home clientele working with some of New York’s elite.
Covid-19 changed all of this, and I turned my attention to Instagram promos, partnering with diverse, small, and larger companies, and turning my sights on furthering my education, adding to my arsenal of training certifications through the study of TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though I’m already certified in Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Thai yoga body work, and hold multiple training certificates and course completions in Pilates, ballet, martial arts and spent my entire life studying the body, I felt it was time to add to my skill set and use this time to grow and expand my knowledge and expertise. Currently, most of my partnerships reach out to me first, which is a great place to be. Until I expand, I can only take on so much, so I’m extremely choosy with whom I work with. What I envision in my future is to continue my work as a healer and yogi, while offering my audience access to some of my favorite brands. Soon I’ll have a platform on my website with access to all discount codes, special events, beauty products and tools, health and fitness, travel, hotels, and overall lifestyle and wellness brands’.
It was really inspiring to see how Jillian was able to use the experience and knowledge she gathered over the years to turn a year that could have been very negative for her into a positive transformation experience. So, I inevitably asked her what she thinks contributed the most to becoming a successful influencer.
‘As far as success on social media is concerned, not every platform is needed during a given time period; know what works for you as you develop and grow. Build steady from there. It can be overwhelming at times... It is my opinion that not everything is meant to be pushed on social media. I’ve recently said to a friend this when deciding whether or not to leave a platform or add an additional platform. I told her “I feel you big time. You have to make it work for you and your goals and take breaks when necessary, and sometimes put the blinders on like a horse in the Kentucky derby my love”!
One quote I’ve carried with me my entire professional career as a dancer, and then applied to anything I’ve ever done, is by the late, great Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware directly of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” I really love this quote.
Obstacles, many of us have moved due to the pandemic and closed offices, and reinvented how we operate completely. Moving is quite an undertaking in and of itself, so I understand the challenges that come along with that. I’ve been trying to manage my projects and my household, and I’m getting there. Takes time. It’s ok to take breaks and honor yourself in order to get stuff done, both personally and professionally, and in order while knowing where you want to be with your goals.
Rather than discuss what not to do I’d rather put my energy into what to do. There is no sense in putting out what doesn’t work into the energy field when we need so much for what does work to be the vibration, especially now during this time in this very moment we are in.
And about fame, my recommendation is: Never mind the fame game. That is when the piranhas start tearing at your flesh and the vampires sucking your blood and the witches begin casting their spells at you as the sharks’ fins begin to raise out of the water, that’s when you know. That’s when you know you’ve done something right; you know you are a success. You then raise your own vibration by knowing it is your soul that is invincible and unlike no other’.
Jillian is clearly 100% focused and committed to her careers and, as she is busy promoting the many brands she is currently partnering with, she never stops looking at the future and already has many projects in store: collaborations with beauty treatments, services, and SPAs, as well as a recent partnership with Integrative Wellness expert Dr. Marina Yuabova, (the code queengotham garners her followers discounted services).
A new partnership is also coming up with Herbal Face Food, 100% plant ingredients that have healing benefits for the skin. It’s truly an incredible product that I’ve grown to love as part of my daily routine. Doctors have quoted my face as having “baby soft skin” after using it (her followers get a 20% discount with code queengotham).
And as soon as venues and indoor activities will reopen Jillian plans to join again wellness events and retreats.
And we can’t wait to see what QueenGotham will have to share with us!
In this editorial, Jillian featured some of her favorite brands.
Deborah Lindquist - Eco Celebrity Designer based in LA and renowned for her ‘Green Queen’ Collections
Al Hassan Toure Designs - Leather King and Celebrity Designer of unique creations
Scentbird – New York-based company offering a monthly subscription for fragrances, essences, candles, and much more (featured in the editorial: Tiziana Terenzi - Spirito Fiorentino, Oscar De La Renta - Bella Essence, scents of wood sandalwood & oak)
Habanero - Italian Handmade Bags crafted with the best materials and the trendiest styles
Goli Nutrition - The world first apple cider vinegar gummy most powerful ashwagandha gummy
Verb Energy – Energy Bars made of green tea and are the equivalent of one single espresso
Hair La Vie – Natural Hair Products that help to rescue, rejuvenate and grow hair, with lash-enhancing serum
Viore - Shampoo and conditioner bars made by the Red Yao – 100% vegan and handmade using rice as the main ingredient
Herbal Face Food – Vegan Skincare that uses plant-based Anti-Aging, Multi-Correctional, Anti-Viral compounds.
Credits
Article by Joseph Fraia
Photographer: Joseph Fraia @jrfstudio
MUA: Kalliniki Lambronoudis @_makeupwithnikki_
Lashes: Kali Lash company
NYFW 2021: Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up powered by Shop Local Designers
ShopLocalDesigners.com is the platform created by native New Yorkers Imani Jones, founder of global creative agency FYID NYC, and Joseph Fraia, founder of marketing & media company Livein Media, as a direct response to the pandemic in support of local designers and creatives across the country and the world.
This NYFW F/W 2021 season, Shop Local Designers presented ‘Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up,’ February 12-13 at the prestigious venue ‘The Atrium’ by Ideal Glass Studios’ in the heart of the West Village in Manhattan, NY. The show aimed to celebrate New York City designers and entrepreneurs’ perseverance while reminding us that New York City is still a proud fashion capital and center for innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The roster of designers and creatives featured over the two days was indeed impressive.
On the 12th of February took place the Virtual Fashion Show of celebrity designer Anthony Rubio. Anthony is also an NYC native and the pet couturier who creates and innovates new concepts and techniques and is strictly couture. He is the first pet fashion designer to exhibit during a New York Fashion Week.
The event was Virtual and with closed doors, limited to VIP invitees and press. The show will be broadcasted by Antonio Rubio on his exclusive platforms and available via Fashion Week Online.
The 13th of February witnessed the celebration of the Shop Local Designers’ Collective of Creatives that presented a vibrant Pop-Up shop featuring the best Fashion Brands based in New York with live fashion presentations and performances by Willard Morgan, Ryan Brahms, Gideon Berger, Nkumu Katalay, and Hoox streamed virtually.
At the same location at ‘The Atrium’ on 9 West 8th Street, from 1 to 8 pm, following all the City safety and health regulations and guidelines, fashion lovers and weekend shoppers were able to browse among the creations made in NYC by based in NYC brands, Helena Magdalena, Naurah USA, Shy Corner, Kühler Co, Tafari Wraps, Vestiphobia and Kovasky by Minika Ko, accessories by Adinkra Republic, jewelry by KIL-NYC, vintage clothes and accessories by Grand Stand Fashion, as well as local businesses as JBM Jewelry, Kevana Wellness, Andrea Pina and the Jaded Scents just to name a few.
Madbatterrnyc served its delicious cupcakes baked in Astoria, Queens.
An amazing ensemble of entrepreneurs and creatives willing to make a statement and rewire the fashion industry to its roots.
The production of ‘Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up’ was made possible by the commitment of Imani Jones and Joseph Fraia, founders of ShopLocalDesigners.com, their production team, and the visionary talent of Willard Morgan, director of Ideal Glass Studios and owner of The Atrium.
The event was kindly sponsored by ‘This is Good Water.’
‘Good Water’ was birthed during a pandemic where water, although an essential need, was scarce. The company’s desire was to produce a product that was crisp and refreshing during these strenuous and exhausting times. Their goal is to provide a luxury beverage that promotes health and wealth without compromising style and appeal.
Water is luxury, and luxury is water.
For info visit www.shoplocaldesigners.com
Press/Media Inquiries, please email info@shoplocaldesigners.com
Instagram @shoplocaldesigners
Co-producers: Imani Jones @ijonesnewyork and Joseph Fria @jrfstudio
Creative Agency: Find Your ID NYC @findyouridnyc
Media & PR: Live In Magazine @Livein_Magazine
Model coordinator: Taiwo Aloba @modelvoss
Lighting designer: Curts D'Amour @curtsadamour & Joe D’Emilio
Set designer: Mike Okerson @mokerson of Fractured Reality
Host & venue owner: Willard Morgan @willardmorgan
Venue: The Atrium at Ideal Glass Studios @Idealglass
Stylist: Tiye Eliza @tiyeeliza
Dj: Chris Edwards @elektronic.ceez
Assistants: Alejandra Gabriela @gabsiny & Gideon Berger @gideon_berger
Media host: Rebel Jones @rebellion_jones
Art installation: Susannah Perelman of Art House NYC @arthouse.nyc
Video: Jordan Cortes @jordan.cortess + Mikey Gonazalez Azuaje @mickey.mov
Hair & Make Up: Emma Roudriguez @thehairbruja_emi + Helene Marie @helene.marie
Event Sponsored by ‘This is Good Water’ @phillygoodwater
Shop Local Designers - 2021 NYFW Show and Pop Up Shop - February 12 and 13 2021 at ‘The Atrium’ in Greenwich Village, NY
#localisthenewglobal
You never forget where you come from. This year’s Pop-Up Shop and Fashion Show following NYFW 2021 uplifts Made & Based in New York City designers and brands. The Shop Local Designers Pop Up + Fashion Show is an opportunity to demonstrate a brand’s global appeal and to offer a continued opportunity to interact and engage with our event’s Influencers, Designers, Stylists, Make-Up Artists, Photographers, Bloggers, Models, and Performers. As we evolve into a new world of interactive retail experiences and e-commerce, the Shop Local Designers Pop Up presents a new-age experience inviting brands to reach their consumers where they are, LIVE in New York City.
Featuring special guest and celebrity designer: Anthony Rubio. Anthony Rubio is an NYC native and pet couturier who stands for creating and innovating new concepts and techniques and is strictly couture. He is the first pet fashion designer to exhibit during a New York Fashion Week.
Shop Local Designers DJ's spinning the hottest beats & performances starting at 1PM on February 13th, 2021.
EVENT ITINERARY:
February 12th: Made In NYC Fashion Shows
1:00 - 8:00 PM
February 13th: Made in NYC Pop Up Shop
1:00 - 8:00 PM
Live Performances and Jam Session by:
Willard Morgan & Gideon Berger
February 14th: PYNK NYFW: All Women Fashion Pop Up & Performances
1:00 - 8:00 PM
EVENT COLLABORATORS:
Saturday, February 13th, 2021,1-8 PM. Location is brought by Ideal Glass Studios above The Atrium. An artist-run production space conveniently in the heart of the west village of Manhattan.
Hosted by Find Your ID NYC & Livein Magazine in collaboration with Shop Local Designers. Shop Local Designers is the solution for designers to boost their brands. The platform allows users to search designer trends by city, providing a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, support local designers from around the world, and highlight global talents.
Special thanks to Nina Edwards for the poster provided! Her artwork can be found on her website.
COVID SAFETY MEASURES:
Masks are required at all times.
Social distancing is required. Please maintain 6 feet apart at all times.
We reserve the right to limit entry. Guests might have to wait for entry to limit the number of people entering, even if you have a ticket.
For more about the collective, please follow us:
@findyouridnyc
@shoplocaldesigners
@livein_magazine
Poster artwork by Nina Edwards @metropolitanmiss
A wool new world
By Bailey Roulo
In the world of fashion today, many people are turning to more sustainable ways to create clothing. Thrifting is very popular among younger generations, and fast fashion is growing more unpopular by the moment. New styles and clothing are still being developed, but it is taking a turn into a more ethical way of fashion. Wool is at the forefront of this change in the industry. There are so many perks to wool apparel that make it sustainable and ethical. Unlike synthetic material and cotton, wool last a good while longer than other materials. It is also so much better for the environment. Using wool, designers are reducing waste that would come from using different materials that contain products that are not natural.
The common misconception about wool is that it can be itchy. It depends on the yarn being used, but most apparel made from real and good wool will feel like a soft hug. One of the most popular and sustainable types of wool is merino wool. It gives room to breathe, making it the perfect kind of wool for all year round. It is also incredibly soft and comfortable on the skin. Another perk of wool apparel is it doesn’t wrinkle. That is perfect for people who are always on the go and do not have the time to iron out clothing. Just toss on that wool sweater, and you are good to go for the day. Not only is wool clothing incredibly comfortable, but the idea of sustainable clothing and products is just another upside of this material. Wool has been given a bad rap for being itchy, as we said earlier, and hot, but the modern wool apparel has changed the game. Keep an eye out for wool to keep growing in popularity. What is better than comfortable clothing that will last longer and reduce waste, effectively helping the planet in the process?
Concrete Jungle
By Joseph Ralph Fraia @jrfstudio – jrfstudio.com
New York City is changing. Once again. We don't know yet how the city will look six months or a year from now. But what we know is that The Big Apple will appear with the new skin, maybe a different look, but always with the same spirit.
New Yorkers know that the skill this city tests the most is survival, it has always been like this; this is a place that makes you dream big but also every day reminds you that nothing is handed to you, and you have to work hard and struggle through if you want to see those dreams be coming true. The fascination about New York is that it is the only place that turns chaos into originality, madness into creativity, struggle into ambition, and success into fame. In New York, you have to show your fangs and pull out your claws if you really want to make it, you have to channel your wild spirit and be brave, show your attitude, and not afraid to be who you really are. Like in a jungle. In this editorial, we wanted to show you the wild spirit of New York in the beautiful shape of Ingrid Gregus, masterfully portrayed by Charles Farrah with the creations of fashion designer and ‘Project Runway’ Winner Irina Shabayeva.
The background for this project is some of the most iconic spots in the East Village in Manhattan, one of the last most authentic historic neighborhoods on the island, where brownstones, graffiti, rusty fences, and a hipster and the vibrant community still gives you the vibes of the glamorous 70s, when Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jimi Hendrix, and the Ramones used to hang out and perform in this area.
And you? Do you have what it takes to survive in this Concrete Jungle?
Location: East Village, NYC
Photographer: @cfaraphoto Charles Farrah
Designer: @irinashabayeva Irina Shabayeva
Hairdresser: @hairjess87 Jess Parol
MUA: @makeupbymara Mara
Model: @ingridgregus Ingrid Gregus
Lucy Liu
Christian Louboutin
Yang Mi
Zozibini Tunzi Miss Universe 2019
Phillip Lim
Heaven Gaia
Angelica Cheung
Karolina Kurkova
Street style in Times Square, NY
Setting trends in the NYC subway
Princess in White: Eleonora Pellegrin
Coe Hall Estate
Theater District - NYC
Angelina Kristic
Swingin’ Era
Timeless Style from the Roaring ‘20s